Greenwich Academy lacrosse primed for repeat

David Fierro

Updated 10:16 pm, Thursday, March 28, 2013

Emilia Tapsall of Greenwich Academy shoots during girls high school lacrosse scrimmage between Greenwich Academy and Greenwich High School at Greenwich Academy, Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Emilia Tapsall of Greenwich Academy shoots during girls high school...

At center, Lexi Henkel of Greenwich Academy in action during the girls high school lacrosse scrimmage between Greenwich Academy and Greenwich High School at Greenwich Academy, Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Charlotte Dahl #32 of Greenwich Academy during girls high school lacrosse scrimmage between Greenwich Academy and Greenwich High School at Greenwich Academy, Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

Emilia Tapsall of Greenwich Academy shoots during girls high school lacrosse scrimmage between Greenwich Academy and Greenwich High School at Greenwich Academy, Thursday, March 28, 2013.
Photo: Bob Luckey

"Last year was great for the girls, after having what was for us, a subpar season the year before," Greenwich Academy coach Angela Tammaro said. "We came back strong and had some great wins against some of the big prep teams."

Leading the young Gators this season are senior co-captains Emilia Tapsall and Emma Olney. Tapsall was the squad's second leading scorer a year ago, tallying 50 goals, while Olney helped anchor the defense.

"I am really excited about the team this year," Tapsall said. "We only have four seniors out of 21 players on the team, so we have a lot of younger people who are stepping up."

Sure, commencement claimed a considerable amount of talent from the 2012 team, but anyone who follows the Gators knows they don't rebuild -- they reload.

"I think we have the potential to jell and become an even stronger team as the season goes on," Tammaro said.

That potential was showcased a bit Thursday during Greenwich Academy's scrimmage against neighborhood rival Greenwich High School. Both teams seemed primed to start their respective regular seasons, displaying the teamwork, skills and savvy that makes them one of the top teams in their league.

"We don't want to give up the title this time, so we are really going to focus hard on each game," Tapsall said. "Hopefully, we can get to that level again and win it all."

AT THE HELM: This is season No. 48 for Tammaro, who has guided the Gators to 27 FAA Tournament championships in 29 seasons. A member of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Connecticut Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Tammaro has totaled more than 700 victories as the school's field hockey coach (she's also in the Field Hockey Hall of Fame) and 600 wins in lacrosse.

WHO'S BACK?: Tapsall's presence, and the return of senior Lexi Henkel should bolster the Gators offensively. Henkel, who registered 39 goals a year ago, will also be complemented at attack by junior Annie DeFrino (33 goals last season). Olney provides experience on defense, along with junior Maggie Schmidt and sophomore defensive wing Izzy Viola.

Senior Mary Taussig (All-League, All-American in 2012) will be relied upon to lead the play in the midfield with junior Julia Conway, sophomore Angie Loynaz and sophomore Izzy Nixon.

WATCH OUT FOR: Sophomore Nanny Burke and Lexie Seidel are vying for the starting spot in goal.

"Both goalies have played well in the preseason," Tammaro said. "We'll play the hot hand."

STRENGTHS: "Our fast break is always one of our strong points and our motion offense has been looking good, we've been working hard on it," Tapsall said.

Scoring on the Gators won't be easy.

"We've been focusing really hard on our denial defense, making sure the other team doesn't get a pass through on us," said Tapsall, who will play field hockey at the University of Virginia.

WEAKNESSES: The Gators must fill the void on offense left by the departure of Conway.

SHOWDOWNS: After opening their season at home Wednesday against Holy Child, GA will host Westminster School on April 6. The Gators will play host to Millbrook School (April 13), Greens Farms Academy (April 22), King (May 6), Hotchkiss (May 11), and Greenwich High (May 14). Their showdown with Convent of the Sacred Heart -- the team they beat in last year's FAA final -- is scheduled for April 27 at CSH.

DID YOU KNOW?: Conway is playing lacrosse at Washington and Lee, where she is the school's leading scorer so far this season. ... Schott is on the lacrosse team at MIT.